Rotating Control Panel for Sauna Wall Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control panels for enclosed spaces, such as saunas, often require users to exit the space to access controls from the outside or enter wearing inappropriate attire, and can be unsafe if the door is stuck, as they typically lack dual access points or modern touchscreen interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A rotating control panel mounted within a wall cutout, allowing 180-degree rotation for access from either inside or outside, with electrical connectivity via slip rings or cables, and optional wireless connection, ensuring airtight sealing and convenient touchscreen operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single control panel is positioned on the outside of the enclosed space, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates because users cannot access controls from inside the space
Solution Approach 1:
The control panel is mounted on a rotating mechanism that allows it to dynamically change orientation between facing inward and facing outward. This dynamic positioning enables a single control panel to serve both inside and outside users, eliminating the need for duplicate control sets while maintaining full accessibility from both locations.
2Ease of operation
If control panels are made accessible from both inside and outside the enclosed space, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to needing duplicate controls or complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 1:
A single control panel performs multiple functions by serving both inside and outside users. The rotating mount enables this one control panel to be universally accessible from both locations, eliminating the need for duplicate control panels or complex mechanical linkages that would connect internal and external controls.
3Ease of operation
If a rotating mount with electrical connectors is used, then the ease of operation improves by enabling touchscreen control from both locations, but the reliability may deteriorate due to potential connection issues during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
Slip rings serve as an intermediary mechanism that maintains continuous electrical connection between the rotating control panel and the stationary housing. These slip rings allow power and data signals to be transmitted through the rotating interface without interruption, ensuring reliable touchscreen operation from both inside and outside the enclosed space.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safe and convenient control of environmental parameters in enclosed spaces without the need for duplicate controls, reducing complexity and cost while ensuring user safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The control panel is positioned within a cutout in the wall of the enclosed space, and mounted on a rotating mount. The user can then rotate the control panel to face either the inside or the outside of the enclosed space.
Implementation Method 2
either the control panel or the cutout may have an insulating seal mounted around their perimeter, to make sure that the air within the enclosure does not intermix with outside air when the control panel is either facing in or facing out
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and devices for implementing a rotating control panel. Systems include an enclosed space of a sauna comprising a plurality of walls, an opening in at least one of the plurality of walls, and a control panel configured to be coupled with at least one heating element. The control panel includes an axis of rotation and a plurality of controls. Systems also include a rotating mount coupled with the control panel at the axis of rotation to enable the control panel to rotate at least 180 degrees within the opening of the a wall of the enclosed space of the sauna without disconnecting the at least one electrical connector. Systems include an insulating seal coupled with the control panel and configured to contact the opening when the control panel is coplanar with the wall while allowing the control panel to rotate freely within the opening.